Mornings are busy, and packing lunch shouldn’t be a struggle.
Kids need meals that are quick, tasty, and healthy.
These easy lunch ideas save time and keep them full.
No stress, just simple food they’ll eat.
Back-to-School: 20 Quick & Healthy Meal Ideas for Kids
These twenty recipes take the guesswork out of meal prep.
These lunches make mornings easier while keeping kids full and happy.
Here’s a table with each meal’s prep time, cook time, and servings.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 2. DIY Lunchables | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 3. Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 4. Egg & Cheese Muffins | 5 min | 15 min | 6 |
| 5. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 6. Cheese & Veggie Quesadilla | 5 min | 5 min | 1 |
| 7. Yogurt & Granola Parfait | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 8. Hummus & Veggie Wrap | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 9. Cottage Cheese & Fruit Bowl | 3 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 10. Hard-Boiled Egg & Cheese Snack Box | 10 min | 10 min | 2 |
| 11. Tuna Salad Sandwich | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 12. Avocado Toast with Boiled Egg | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 13. Pasta Salad | 10 min | 10 min | 4 |
| 14. Ham & Cheese Croissant | 3 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 15. Almond Butter & Apple Slices | 3 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 16. Mini Bagel Sandwich | 3 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 17. Pita & Guacamole | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 18. Cheese & Apple Kabobs | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 19. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sushi Rolls | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
| 20. Turkey & Avocado Wrap | 5 min | 0 min | 1 |
Recipe 1 – Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
It’s a fun twist on a sandwich without the bread!
Ingredients
- Sliced turkey
- Cheese slices
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Mustard or mayo (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Lay a tortilla flat.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of mustard or mayo.
Step 3: Place turkey and cheese on top.
Step 4: Roll it up tightly and slice it into pinwheels.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with apple slices for a sweet crunch.
Recipe 2 – DIY Lunchables
Skip the store-bought version and make your own!
Ingredients
- Sliced ham or turkey
- Cheese cubes or slices
- Whole grain crackers
- Baby carrots or cucumber slices
Instructions
Step 1: Arrange meat, cheese, and crackers in a lunchbox.
Step 2: Add some veggies on the side.
Step 3: Pack a small container of hummus or ranch for dipping.
Chef’s Tip: Keep crackers separate until lunchtime to prevent sogginess.
Recipe 3 – Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups
A protein-packed, naturally sweet option!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Peanut butter
- Banana
Instructions
Step 1: Spread peanut butter evenly on a tortilla.
Step 2: Place a banana in the centre.
Step 3: Roll it up tightly and slice it into rounds.
Chef’s Tip: Swap peanut butter for almond butter if needed.
Recipe 4 – Egg & Cheese Muffins
Perfect for a grab-and-go protein boost!
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Whisk eggs in a bowl.
Step 3: Stir in cheese, bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour into greased muffin tins.
Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes or until set.
Chef’s Tip: Store in the fridge and reheat in the morning.
Recipe 5 – Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
A lighter alternative to sandwiches!
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp mustard
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Mix chicken, yoghurt, and mustard in a bowl.
Step 2: Spoon the mixture onto lettuce leaves.
Step 3: Wrap them up like tacos.
Chef’s Tip: Add diced apples for a sweet crunch.
Recipe 6 – Cheese & Veggie Quesadilla
It’s a warm, cheesy meal that’s easy to prep!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Bell peppers, diced
Instructions
Step 1: Sprinkle cheese and bell peppers on a tortilla.
Step 2: Top with another tortilla.
Step 3: Heat in a pan until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Cut into triangles.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with mild salsa for dipping.
Recipe 7 – Yogurt & Granola Parfait
A healthy, sweet treat that feels like dessert!
Ingredients
- Greek yoghurt
- Granola
- Mixed berries
Instructions
Step 1: Layer yoghurt, granola, and berries in a container.
Step 2: Repeat layers until full.
Chef’s Tip: Pack granola separately to keep it crunchy.
Recipe 8 – Hummus & Veggie Wrap
A meat-free lunch packed with nutrients!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Hummus
- Cucumber, sliced
- Carrots, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Spread hummus on a tortilla.
Step 2: Add cucumber and carrots.
Step 3: Roll it up and slice it in half.
Chef’s Tip: Add feta cheese for extra flavour.
Recipe 9 – Cottage Cheese & Fruit Bowl
A simple, protein-rich option!
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Pineapple chunks
- Blueberries
Instructions
Step 1: Scoop cottage cheese into a bowl.
Step 2: Top with pineapple and blueberries.
Chef’s Tip: Drizzle honey for added sweetness.
Recipe 10 – Hard-Boiled Egg & Cheese Snack Box
Great for a no-fuss, protein-packed lunch!
Ingredients
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese cubes
- Whole grain crackers
- Grape tomatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Slice eggs in half.
Step 2: Pack with cheese, crackers, and tomatoes.
Chef’s Tip: Add a handful of nuts for extra crunch.
Recipe 11 -Tuna Salad Sandwich
A classic, protein-packed meal!
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- Whole wheat bread
Instructions
Step 1: Mix tuna and yoghurt in a bowl.
Step 2: Spread onto bread and cut in half.
Chef’s Tip: Add lettuce for crunch.
Recipe 12 – Avocado Toast With Boiled Egg
Simple and filling!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat bread
- ½ avocado
- 1 boiled egg, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Mash avocado onto toast.
Step 2: Top with egg slices.
Chef’s Tip: Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Recipe 13 – Pasta Salad
A cold lunch that’s easy to eat!
Ingredients
- Cooked whole-wheat pasta
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Mozzarella cubes
- Olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Mix pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella in a bowl.
Step 2: Drizzle with olive oil and toss.
Chef’s Tip: Store in the fridge until ready to pack.
Recipe 14 – Ham & Cheese Croissant
A bakery-style lunch that takes seconds!
Ingredients
- Croissant
- Sliced ham
- Cheese slice
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the croissant in half.
Step 2: Add ham and cheese.
Step 3: Close and pack.
Chef’s Tip: Warm slightly for melty cheese.
Recipe 15 – Almond Butter & Apple Slices
A crunchy and creamy combo!
Ingredients
- Apple slices
- Almond butter
Instructions
Step 1: Pack apple slices in a container.
Step 2: Serve with almond butter on the side.
Chef’s Tip: Squeeze lemon juice on apples to prevent browning.
Recipe 16 – Mini Bagel Sandwich
Small but satisfying!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat mini bagel
- Cream cheese
- Sliced turkey
Instructions
Step 1: Spread cream cheese on the bagel.
Step 2: Add turkey.
Step 3: Close and pack.
Chef’s Tip: Swap turkey for smoked salmon for variety.
Recipe 17 – Pita & Guacamole
A fresh and flavorful lunch!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat pita
- Guacamole
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the pita into wedges.
Step 2: Serve with guacamole and tomatoes.
Chef’s Tip: Add black beans for extra protein.
Recipe 18 – Cheese & Apple Kabobs
A fun, bite-sized lunch!
Ingredients
- Cheese cubes
- Apple slices
- Toothpicks
Instructions
Alternate cheese and apple on toothpicks.
Chef’s Tip: Use grapes for variety.
Recipe 19 – Peanut Butter & Jelly Sushi Rolls
It’s a creative twist on a classic!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
Instructions
Step 1: Spread peanut butter and jelly on the tortilla.
Step 2: Roll tightly and slice into rounds.
Chef’s Tip: Use sunflower butter if needed.
Recipe 20 – Turkey & Avocado Wrap
A protein-packed option!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Sliced turkey
- Avocado, mashed
Instructions
Step 1: Spread avocado on a tortilla.
Step 2: Add turkey and roll it up.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with a side of baby carrots.
